The Road To Happiness

Knowing the Destination

In life, I have found there are many pursuits that seem worthwhile, but none of them is as attractive or misunderstood as the pursuit of happiness.

If you’re like me, you’ve tried nearly everything to find happiness.  In the end, I’ve realized that the only lasting happiness is a purpose-filled relationship with God.

A few years ago I met with an influential talent scout from Atlantic Records. I believed wholeheartedly that I would find happiness in the music industry. I was wrong. The talent scout looked up and smiled as he expressed to me in more ways than one, “You have the right music, but you live in the wrong time.”  The road I thought I was meant to travel was blocked. I was devastated.

I never ended my pursuit of music, but when I found something of more value than a Grammy nomination, I decided to shift gears.

You make the path of life known to me. In your presence there is complete joy.

Acts 2:28

What Are the Roadblocks?

When I realized that meaningful, lasting happiness could be found in an intimate relationship with God, my ambition changed. But before any transformation took place in my life, I had to figure out what was stopping me from wanting that relationship.

The answer was guilt.

Guilt pushed me away from God, and a life of pretending to be someone I wasn’t made me extremely unhappy (Psalm 38:4). I stopped being honest, and instead used ambition, drugs, and cheap relationships to mask the pain my decisions caused in my life (James 3:14-16).

Maybe you’re like me and have said things, thought things, or even done things that you’re ashamed of and plan on taking to the grave. You need to meet the God who sees your sins but refuses to let them define you; whose greatest wish is to reclaim you for a purpose greater then self (Luke 5:8-10)

• What are you pursuing to find happiness?
• Is there anything in your life that makes you feel like God would reject you?
• What would it take for you to pursue a relationship with God?